Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children in Europe over the Last Five Years.

Maria Kantzanou,Maria A Karalexi,Georgia Vrioni,Athanasios Tsakris

doi:10.3390/tropicalmed6030160

Abstract

While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates of IPI in European children, as well as the potential risk factors that favor the spread of parasites. We aimed to review published evidence on the prevalence rates of IPI in children residing in Europe, and to quantitatively synthesize the results of published studies. We searched Medline from 1 January 2015 to 1 April 2021 to address the most recently published prevalence patterns of IPI in European children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed by type of IPI infection, age group and sex, depending on data availability. Of the 967 potentially relevant articles, eight eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this analysis, yielding a sample of 3376 children (0–19 years). The overall prevalence rate was 5.9% for any IPI in children residing in European countries. Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly detected parasite yielding a prevalence rate of 10.7%. Other parasites included Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, and Blastocystis hominis. Studies focusing on specific types of parasites showed prevalence rates ranging from 1.3% for Cryptosporidium to 68.3% for Dientamoeba fragilis. Despite the scarce literature, the present review showed relatively low prevalence rates of IPI in Europe. Future studies accounting for proper diagnostic methods used for the detection of parasites and including information on potential sociodemographic factors, such as travelling history and history of immigration, are needed to guide clinicians about which children to test, as well as when and how to test children for IPI.

Highlights

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) in children are highly prevalent in regions with limited or no access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation and substandard housing conditions [1]
We aimed to review published evidence on the prevalence rates of IPI in children residing in Europe, and to quantitatively synthesize the results of published studies
The present review of approximately 1000 studies published during the last five years showed a prevalence rate of 5.9% for any IPI in children residing in European countries

Summary

Introduction

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) in children are highly prevalent in regions with limited or no access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation and substandard housing conditions [1]. In African countries, such as Ethiopia, the prevalence rate of IPI in children is estimated to be 48% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 42–53%) [3]. There are significant concerns about the potential short-term and long-term complications of IPI in children [5]. Parasites may cause malabsorption and chronic blood loss, with long-term effects on the physical and cognitive development of children [6,7]. In disadvantaged populations, malnutrition renders children more vulnerable to IPI, which in turn may result in protein-energy malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia and subsequent deficits in both mental and physical growth [6]

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